City Teams Champion National Invitational Arnis Tournament
University of Baguio Cardinals win as Over-all Champions of the Junior and Senior Divisions of the National Invitational Arnis Tournament at the Baguio City National High School Gymnasium held from 20-21 September 2025.
By: Nonnette C. Bennett, photos courtesy of BBLADES
Josefa Cariño Elementary School emerged as the over-all Champion of the Cadet Division of the National Invitational Arnis Tournament at Baguio City High School.
Baguio City Officials of the Baguio – Benguet League of Arnis Developers Enthusiasts and Supporters Incorporated, Inc. for the National Invitational Arnis Tournament.
Three City Teams, Josefa Cariño Elementary School Warriors, UB Cardinals Juniors and Seniors led in the 116th Baguio Day National Invitational Arnis Tournament held from September 20 to 21, 2025 at the Baguio City National High School (BCNHS) Auditorium.
2019 South East Asian Games Gold Medalist Mr. Elmer C. Manlapas led the oath of amateurism.
The competition drew 725 entries from 34 participating teams representing different regions of the Philippines which was sponsored as part of the 116th Anniversary of Baguio City’s Charter and was officiated by the Baguio-Benguet League of Arnis Eskrima Kali Developers, Enthusiasts, and Supporters, Inc. (BBLADES).
Performance by an Arnis Sayaw with single blade competitor.
The two-day event featured intense competition across different divisions, with teams vying for top honors in the cadet, junior, and senior divisions. The tournament showcased the skills and passion of Arnis athletes in the Anyo (sayaw), Labanan Padded Point & Labanan Live Stick competitions. The event highlighted the sport’s continued growth, particularly among the youth.
Start of the Arnis Stick competition is given by an official.
The official results in the Cadets Division had Josefa Carińo Elementary School Warriors as Champion with seven gold, nine silver, six bronze medals. Laguna Arnis Team was 1st Runner Up with three golds, four silver, five bronze medals. Second Runner up was La Trinidad Central School with two golds, one silver, and one bronze medal. Third place went to Dojo Kaizen with two gold medals.
Arnis Team Laguna holds the 3rd place in the Cadet Division win with two golds of Dojo Kaizen.
UB Cardinals was Champion in the Juniors Division with five gold, four silver, and one bronze Medal. El Cabisera Modern Arnis Club was 1st Runner Up with five golds, one silver, and three bronze medals. Bulacan Arnis Team was 2nd runner up with three golds, three silvers, and one bronze medal. Third Runner Up was Tarlac State University with two gold, one silver, and three bronze medals.
Bulacan team is the 2nd runner up in the Juniors Division.
UB Cardinals was Champion in the Seniors Division with 10 golds, five silvers, and five bronze medals. The 1st Runner Up was Tarlac State University with four golds, eight silvers, and 11 bronze medals. The 2nd Runner Up was Cavite State University with one gold medal, two silvers, and four bronze medals. In 3rd Runner Up was SIKLAB Arnis Team with one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals.
Nueva Ecija team show their wins in the two day competition of Arnis.
Representing Baguio City, Councilor Van Oliver Dicang told the Arnisadors to pursue their passion in the National Martial Arts and Sports of the Philippines. Philippine National Arnis Team (PNAT) Coach – Master Reggie Sanchez was also at the venue to award the winners.
Tarlac State University was 1st Runner Up in the Seniors Division of the national invitation Arnis Competition.
Mr. Dolinta from the Office of Councilor Vladimir D. Cayabas warmly welcomed the delegates on behalf of the City Government of Baguio. A community dance was led by the BCHNHS Cultural Dance Group.
The 2019 South East Asian Games Gold Medalist, Mr. Elmer C. Manlapas, led the oath of amateurism. While BBLADES President, Mr. Karl Mico D. Alangui, led the oath of officiating officials.
Photos courtesy of Coaches, Technical Officials, and participating Arnisadors. Some photos were from public posts of the participating teams official accounts/pages and that of their coaches/athletes said the link.
